Overview

Studying a BSc in Psychology with a focus on Child Development will give you a deep understanding of children and young people.

Analyse them from psychological, cognitive, social, emotional, and cultural perspectives.
Explore the reasons behind their behaviour through research studies.
Be equipped to make a positive impact on individuals' lives.

Learn more about studying psychology

Find out why people study psychology
Read about Tania's journey as a psychology student

Find out more

Course options

Select year

Degree

UCAS code: C823 112 UCAS points

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, home applicant, full time
- Home Applicant
- Full time, 3/4 years
- Pound 9250 Per year
Apply through UCAS
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, home applicant, part time
- Home Applicant
- Part time
- Pro-rata full time fee
Apply direct
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, international applicant, full time
- International Applicant
- Full time, 3 years
- Pound 14820 Per year
Apply direct

Degree with foundation year

UCAS code: CC80 64 UCAS points

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, home applicant, full time
- Home Applicant
- Full time, 4/5 years
- Pound 9250 Per year
Apply through UCAS
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, international applicant, full time
- International Applicant
- Full time, 4/5 years
- Pound 14820 Per year
Apply direct

What makes this course different

Our world-leading research

92% of research is world-leading, internationally excellent, or internationally recognised (REF,2021)
Link theory with practice

Apply real-world experience to your learning, and help your graduate employability. Students have worked in local schools or nurseries, integrating knowledge and skills from Psychology through our work-based learning module.
Nurturing development

Gain hands-on experience and making a significant impact in child development at Baby Dev Lab

Accreditation

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

This accreditation is a mark of quality that students and employers understand and value. Studying a BPS-accredited course will allow you to gain graduate or chartered membership of the Society.

Course modules

Select year

In the psychology foundation year, students study three core modules and choose one option module. The options available are Topics in Counselling and Topics in Psychology. Topics in Counselling equips students with basic counselling skills and offers eligibility for an interview to join the BSc Counselling degree accredited by the BACP. Topics in Psychology covers key issues in psychology, serving as a starting point for level 4 in our undergraduate psychology programmes. Upon successful completion of the Psychology Foundation Year, students with 120 credits can progress to BSc (Hons) Psychology or one of our specialist pathways

Personal Development (Mental Wealth)

Foundation Year only

This module aims to build students' knowledge of theories and interventions in various areas of personal development. This knowledge will enhance students' reflective abilities, autonomous thinking, interpersonal skills and help them to build a connection with the discipline of psychology. The module is aimed at providing students with effective tools for personal development that can be utilised throughout all stages of academic study, professional development and the lifespan.

Psychology in the Everyday

Foundation Year only

This module introduces contemporary issues in psychology grounded in the real world. The aim of the module is to ensure students gain exposure to how psychology, its applications and key theories, play a part in our everyday lives. The module will assist students in critically and creatively examining real-world topics through the eyes of psychologists, by exploring the topic area cross-culturally, outlining key theories, findings, practical issues, ethics and research methods. Students will become more psychologically aware, and ready for Level 4. It is intended that the topics will provide insight for students on possible future pathways.

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

Foundation Year only

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the research process in psychology. Students will learn about different research methods used by psychologists, both quantitative and qualitative. As part of this process, they will conduct a small-scale research project, learning how to present their findings and consider the strengths and limitations of the study. This will include developing an awareness of ethical issues involved in psychological research.

Key Studies in Psychology

Foundation Year only

The aim of the module is to introduce students to key debates and research findings in psychology by describing, discussing and analysing examples of influential studies. These studies will be drawn from different areas of psychology, for example, social, biological and developmental psychology and illustrate varied approaches in psychology, for example, experimental, observational and critical. Through this module, students will become familiar with psychology terminology and research techniques and will learn about the ways in which research findings are evaluated, applied and built upon in future studies.

Introduction to Counselling Skills

Foundation Year only

By the end of this module, you will have received an overview of the main tenets of counselling theory, research and practice in the UK. You will have gained an understanding of the various attitudes and core qualities relevant to counselling and allied helping professions, and you will have begun to understand the importance of ethics and ethical issues in counselling.

You will also have gained hands-on experience in the development and use of core skills such as attending, listening and communication empathy. During this process, you will gain a good grounding in the role of personal therapy as a means of personal and professional development.

Moreover, you will have experienced, first-hand, the privilege of working with peers in a process of developing personally and professionally through practical experience. A central theme in this pursuit is that of embracing reflective practice through giving and receiving feedback.

Introduction to Academic Practice

Foundation Year only

The principal aim of this module is to help students realise and develop the key academic and transferable skills they need in order to make a successful transition from further education to undergraduate-level studies in psychology. In the process of achieving this aim, this module will also lay the foundation for the further development of the skills during subsequent levels of undergraduate study and promote an awareness of their utility in a wider professional context.

Thinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth)

Core Module

The aim of the module is to support you in your transition to degree-level study of psychology, introducing you to new ways of thinking that have psychology at the core. You will learn about psychological principles that have value in everyday life and learning. You will be supported in the development of critical thinking skills, prized by graduate employers. In addition, you will learn how to present psychological concepts to members of the general public and to use online presentation software to facilitate such work.

Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

Core Module

In this module, we explore the mechanisms that process information about the world (such as perception, memory, and attention) and by which we develop our responses to it (e.g., by thinking, communicating, and shaping behaviour by our learning). In doing so, this module introduces core topics in cognitive psychology (which seeks to scientifically model how the mind functions) and developmental psychology (which seeks to understand change through the lifespan).

Psychology in Applied Contexts

Core Module

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the ways in which psychology is used in professional roles and graduate-level employment. Module content will include an introduction to the core professional division of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and, beyond this, to the diverse ways in which psychology is used within 'real-world' settings, including well-established and emerging career opportunities. The module will provide a foundation for understanding, reflecting on and developing graduate employability which will be built on at level 5.

Researching with Small Samples

Core Module

Researching with Larger Samples

Core Module

Individual Differences and Diversity

Core Module

This module has three principal aims: (i) to develop a critical and historical awareness of theories of, and issues relating to, individual differences (ii) to instil an understanding of, and foster respect for, diversity; (iii) to encourage you to be insightful and reflective about your own and others' behaviour and mental processes.

An ongoing theme of the module will be to consider the implications of the knowledge imparted for real-life events and the development of professional practice. These aims are intended to help you develop into a psychologically literate citizen.

Psychological Research Methods

Core Module

The aim of the module is to build on material delivered in the level 4 research method modules and provide a preparation for the independent research project at level 6.

The module will:

present more advanced statistical methods used to analyse quantitative data from designs with one and more than one IV/factor;
ensure awareness of a range of experimental and non-experimental quantitative designs (including real-world research) and a range of qualitative designs;
consider issues of internal and external validity;
further consider epistemological and methodological issues, reflexivity, ethics and practicalities of conducting qualitative research; and
provide you with opportunities to gain further experience designing, executing and writing quantitive and qualitative research studies.

Topics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

Core Module

The module builds on students' learning at level 4 and explores a range of current issues and topics in cognitive and developmental psychology in greater depth. Students will learn about appropriate ways to analyse and interpret findings in these core areas of psychology. The module's aim is to encourage a more evaluative and analytical approach than at level 4 coverage of these areas of psychology.

Applications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology

Core Module

The module will build upon knowledge of the psychobiology and social psychological approaches that were introduced at Level 4. The aim of the module is to develop students' knowledge and critical awareness of these major theoretical perspectives for understanding human behaviour. Current issues as well as historical debates in these two areas will be explored. Considerable focus will be placed upon the real-world application and utility of theories falling within each approach.

Work-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth)

Core Module

The module is designed to further develop students' awareness of the range of careers, work and volunteering opportunities open to psychology graduates and to support their engagement with personal and professional development strategies. Based on a short period of work experience, arranged by students and completed as part of the module's student learning time, students will be able to learn about organisations and make use of networking opportunities. They will have an opportunity to integrate psychological theory with practice and to clarify their interests and goals.

Research Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience

Optional Module

This optional module introduces you to the theoretical underpinnings of cognitive neuroscience and to the practical skills necessary to conduct research in cognitive neuroscience. In the first part of the module, you will be introduced to cognitive neuroscience literature that uses specific technologies (e.g., electrophysiology or eye-tracking). In the second part of the module, you will be asked to pick a certain technology and will be guided in groups to develop and analyse an experiment that uses that technology.

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Optional Module

The main aims of this module are:

To introduce concepts and issues in forensic and criminological psychology.
To provide an overview of the historical, current and potential future relationships between psychology and the criminal justice system.
To provide a clear overview of how psychology has been used, and can further be used, to inform practical problems arising in the criminal justice system.

Psychology, Identity and Society

Optional Module

Students will be introduced to the range of debates that have led to a move away from 'positivistic' psychology and towards what is now known as critical social psychology or, 'societal' psychology. The module will introduce a variety of critical approaches and explore the limitations and constraints of individualistic, reductionist and essentialist analyses of the individual and the social in psychology. The module will foster an awareness of the importance of the 'social locatedness' (historical, community, philosophical, etc.) of psychological knowledge and 'realities' and will explore subjectivity and identity, social relations, broader cultural formations (than traditionally allowed by positivistic social psychology) and collective sense-making across a range of theories, methods and topic areas.

Difficulties and Differences across Development

Optional Module

In this module, we will explore the variations and obstacles that arise during different stages of development: infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Our goal is to deepen students' understanding of theoretical explanations and important research findings related to developmental challenges and differences. This module builds upon and expands the fundamental concepts covered in earlier developmental psychology courses. Through this module, students will develop their ability to critically evaluate research on atypical development and understand its practical applications in the real world. The lectures in this module have consistently received positive feedback from students who find them stimulating and engaging.

Clinical and Community Psychology

Optional Module

Introduction to Positive Psychology Coaching

Optional Module

Positive psychology coaching is a scientifically rooted approach to helping individuals, groups and communities to increase well-being, enhance and apply strengths, increase self-awareness, improve performance, achieve goals and flourish. This module will offer a comprehensive introduction to the science of positive psychology and coaching psychology. It will take you through the main theories and research in the field and its application in different contexts.

Psychology and the Environment

Optional Module

This module provides an overview of the relationship between humans and their environments. The module offers an overview to the theory, practice and application of psychology approaches in environmental settings. The origins, basic principles and key conceptual issues to environment-behaviour relationships are introduced and studied.

Topics in Cyberpsychology

Optional Module

The Psychology of Mental Health - Difficulties in Adulthood

Optional Module

Applying Psychology in Organisations

Optional Module

The module is designed to further develop students’ awareness of the main principles and practices of organisational psychology. Through a range of methods including lectures, workshops, presentations and small and large group work, you will explore and develop your skills, knowledge and attitudes towards a range of vital components of your working life. These will include insights into how you manage and develop others, including how to become an effective trainer and team developer, how organisations develop and thrive through stress and conflict situations, and how to develop your individual skills in managing, leading, supporting and enabling others, all vital elements of a successful and meaningful work life.

Psychology in Communication and Social Engagement  (Mental Wealth)

Core Module

This module will develop your understanding of the range of theories and techniques involved in psychologies of social engagement. Examples include the communication of psychological knowledge to external audiences and the use of psychological knowledge to address real-world issues and problems. These examples will be contextualised with reference to conceptual and historical issues in psychology. You will be invited to develop a broad understanding of psychology and your psychological knowledge as it is relevant to the wider world, including local communities, businesses, politics and policy.

Developmental Psychology Research Project

Core Module

Advanced Developmental Psychology

Core Module

This module will provide you with an opportunity to examine and evaluate in-depth key and current methods and findings in developmental psychology. The aim is to investigate the main factors that shape development in a variety of domains (social, emotional, cognitive) and across ages, in a manner that will help you to develop the skills to critically analyse research in this area. The module will also allow you to consolidate and explore in more depth some of the concepts previously introduced at levels 4 and 5.

Addiction

Optional Module

Advanced Forensic Psychology

Optional Module

The aims of the module are to educate you on the complexity of behaviour that is considered criminological; and to examine psychological theory and research concerning different types of offending behaviour. You will develop an appreciation of the role that psychologists can play in rehabilitation and desistance from offending behaviour.

Health Psychology

Optional Module

The module describes and evaluates biopsychosocial approaches to health and illness. It examines social and psychological processes which contribute to the occurrence of various physical health outcomes and to the maintenance of health. It discusses the role of psychosocial processes in the experience and progression of health and illness. Specifically, it examines biopsychosocial precursors and consequences which are identifiable empirically in the aetiology and progression of a variety of health phenomena. Such precursors include the role of social support, social cognitions, individual differences in coping and personality, life change events and psycho-neuro-immunological, endocrine and other physiological processes. In summary, this module explores how psychological and social factors impact our health. Implications for the prevention of illness and promotion of health are considered.

Psychology of Choice

Optional Module

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the main concepts and theories in research on preference choices, risk perception and communication, and judgement and decision-making. You will be able to describe and evaluate research findings on how people assess risks (major hazards, terrorism etc.) and which psychological factors determine the choices and preferences made by individuals and experts.

Psychology of Belief

Optional Module

The aims of the module are to assist you in developing; your skills and competencies in critical thinking and the evaluation of information; your ability to understand behaviours motivated by different values and different cultural perspectives; and your ability to understand the causes of beliefs which they do not themselves ascribe to.

You will explore the various factors (e.g., social, developmental, cognitive, cultural, and biopsychological) that contribute to unsubstantiated beliefs, look at various theories of religious belief, and explore the psychology of moral values and political affiliation.

Psychology of Emotion

Optional Module

Occupational Psychology

Optional Module

The module aims to introduce you to the main areas of occupational and organisational psychology and provide a critical understanding of the various ways in which contemporary psychological knowledge is applied to the workplace behaviour of people and to business management. It elucidates multiple aspects of human performance at work and ways to optimise them, considering their individual, group and organisational contexts.

Applied Cyberpsychology

Optional Module

Broadly speaking the module aims to help you:

Think about how cyberpsychology can enhance the communication and impact of psychological science.
Consider the implications of existing lines of psychological enquiry for research within cyberpsychology.
Critically evaluate the way that research in cyberpsychology can be applied to society.

Applied Evolutionary Psychology - Cognition, Culture, and Behaviour Change

Optional Module

NOTE: Modules are subject to change. For those studying part time courses the modules may vary.

Download course specification

Your future career

Psychology is a versatile degree that leads to many careers. Our courses give you valuable skills that employers want, such as data management, analysis, report writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn about human behaviour, making you a good candidate for management roles. You can further train in areas like clinical, counselling, occupational, and community psychology. Our postgraduate courses allow you to become a professional psychologist without leaving our institution, leading to a rewarding and well-compensated career.

Industry links

We have links with NHS Trusts across the North Thames region, MIND, Terrence Higgins Trust, Centrepoint, Women's Aid, National Autistic Society, Young Gamblers and Gamers Education Trust (YGAM).

Graduate employers

Organisations our graduates have gone on to work for are the NHS, the voluntary sector, schools, social services or local authorities, or in private clinics.

Job roles

Roles you could go into include child psychotherapist; educational psychologist, counsellor, and research assistant.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.

Further study

To become a child psychotherapist you will need further training. At UEL you can study for a Prof Doc in Educational and Child Psychology or Clinical Psychology.

Male student standing in front of books in the library

Our degrees in psychology will equip you with the tools and skills you need to investigate human behaviour and to adopt a critical analysis of what you discover. I very much hope you will join us in our search for behavioural insights and for solutions to the problems that face humanity, whether at the individual, group, national, international or global level."

James Walsh PhD

Head of Department of Psychological Sciences

How we support your career ambitions

We offer dedicated careers support, further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting edge technologies and facilities.

Career Zone

This digital platform provides you with careers and employability resources, including:

Jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work
Mentoring programmes for insight with industry experts
1-2-1 career coaching services
Careers workshops and employer events
Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight

Mental Wealth programme

Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you've mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.

See more details

We are careers first

Our teaching methods and geographical location put us right up top:

Work-based projects
Networking and visits to leading organisations
Support in starting a new business
London on our doorstep

How you'll learn

Our cutting-edge Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) approach revolutionises face-to-face learning, providing students with scheduled on-campus hours and additional learning opportunities. Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) grants students access to course materials and resources beyond their regular study hours. We provide state-of-the-art technology and specialised spaces, equipping students with the skills needed for their future careers. With dedicated time for activities and personal development, our holistic approach to learning nurtures academic, personal, and professional growth. Students receive comprehensive career support through our on-campus and virtual Career Zones, personalised support services, and an exclusive online portal called Track My Future (TMF).

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled lectures or workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve skills development through online study, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects and preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, and specialist facilities, such as game labs, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including MS Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.

Academic support

We invest in key areas beyond your studies, providing career services, a modern library, and well-being support. These resources are available both on campus and online, some accessible 24/7. Our libraries offer a range of print and digital resources, study spaces, and dedicated librarians to assist you. Academic advisors, module leaders, and fellow students are available to support your academic queries.

Dedicated personal tutor

Academic tutors offer help with skills like writing and maths. IT Service Desks provide support for university IT systems. Our Student Support hubs cater to all your needs, including disability support.

Workload

Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars, and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.

The approximate hours for this course are:

Year 1: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours
Year 2: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours
Year 3: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 200-300 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 200 plus students. In the classroom, you will be taught in smaller groups. However, this can vary by academic year.

How you'll be assessed

To manage the workload, assessment tasks are distributed throughout the year and encompass various methods such as group work, exams, essays, presentations, case studies, professional development, and practical activities. All grades contribute to your module mark, and comprehensive details can be found in the student handbook and module guides. As part of the course, you'll engage in a work-based learning module at level 5 (Work-based Learning in Psychology), which includes a minimum of 30 hours of work experience. The assessment emphasises reflection, connection to psychology research and theory, as well as personal and professional development. Timely feedback is provided within 15 working days in adherence to UEL's policy.

Campus and facilities

Our campus and the surrounding area

Our historic Stratford campus is located one of the best-connected areas of London: close to Stratford's thriving town centre, the 2012 Olympic Park, and just 15 minutes from London's West End.

Stratford’s facilities include a state-of-the-art library and learning centre, the majestic great hall and specialist laboratories and computing services. The School of Education and Communities, and Centre for Clinical Education in Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Sports Science are housed in new buildings. There is also a campus restaurant and bookshop, and a Students' Union café-bar.

Westfield Stratford City - Europe's largest indoor shopping mall - is just one of Stratford's attractions, alongside many other shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There are two multiscreen cinemas, a theatre, an arts centre and much more.

Water Lane, Stratford

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by School of Psychology

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

DiscoverUni

The banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

What our students and staff say

One of the fantastic things about being at the University of East London is the amazing concentration of different cultures and different backgrounds it's really important for my research. You can look at the different cultural attitudes which is really stimulating for teaching. I tell my students the most important characteristic is curiosity, asking that question that no one has asked before and for me, it's about keeping your brain childlike, never losing that wonder, that marvel, that innocence."

Sam Wass

Professor of Early Years Neuroscience, UEL Baby Development Lab

I hadn't written an essay in 20 years, but the Foundation course taught me how to write at an academic level. As well as learning new skills, I was introduced to many classic psychology studies. I fell in love with psychology and academia during the course."

Dr Paula Booth

Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development

Search

Psychology with Child Development BSc (Hons)

Overview

Learn more about studying psychology

Find out more

Course options

Degree

Accepted qualifications

International qualifications

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, home applicant, full time

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, home applicant, part time

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, international applicant, full time

Degree with foundation year

Accepted Qualifications

International Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, home applicant, full time

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development, international applicant, full time

Submitting your applicationPlease read and consider the entry and visa requirements for this course before you submit your application. For more information please visit our international student advice pages.

About our foundation years

What makes this course different

Our world-leading research

Link theory with practice

Nurturing development

Accreditation

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Course modules

Personal Development (Mental Wealth)

Psychology in the Everyday

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

Key Studies in Psychology

Introduction to Counselling Skills

Introduction to Academic Practice

Thinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth)

Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

Psychology in Applied Contexts

Researching with Small Samples

Researching with Larger Samples

Individual Differences and Diversity

Psychological Research Methods

Topics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

Applications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology

Work-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth)

Research Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Psychology, Identity and Society

Difficulties and Differences across Development

Clinical and Community Psychology

Introduction to Positive Psychology Coaching

Psychology and the Environment

Topics in Cyberpsychology

The Psychology of Mental Health - Difficulties in Adulthood

Applying Psychology in Organisations

Psychology in Communication and Social Engagement (Mental Wealth)

Developmental Psychology Research Project

Advanced Developmental Psychology

Addiction

Advanced Forensic Psychology

Health Psychology

Psychology of Choice

Psychology of Belief

Psychology of Emotion

Occupational Psychology

Applied Cyberpsychology

Applied Evolutionary Psychology - Cognition, Culture, and Behaviour Change

Download course specification

Your future career

Industry links

Graduate employers

Job roles

Further study

How we support your career ambitions

Career Zone

Mental Wealth programme

We are careers first

How you'll learn

Submitting your application
Please read and consider the entry and visa requirements for this course before you submit your application. For more information please visit our international student advice pages.

Psychology in Communication and Social Engagement  (Mental Wealth)